Yesterday we decided to take it easy as we had been sightseeing non stop for the last few days in London. While Simon and Felicity watched movies at home, Genevieve and I headed into Oxford St late afternoon for a spot of last minute shopping. We checked out all the big name stores and popped in to Selfridges to see the early Christmas decorations. Genevieve bought a fabulous piece of art there, a handpainted elephant sculpture. We met up with Janet and a few of her Kiwi friends for a drink and then it was homeward bound for roast lamb dinner and farewell drinks with Janet. We admitted that neither of us could keep this pace up for much longer and would need some alcohol free days very soon.

This morning was the mad panic packing frenzy as we headed out the door to Heathrow. Janet and Felicity did a last minute hunt in the attic for a large suitcase that Janet no longer needed - so we could pack some of our smaller bags into one larger suitcase. We farewelled Janet at 1.30pm, surprisingly on time. It was sad to be leaving London. After we had checked into the hotel we had a lovely late afternoon trip out to Windsor with cousin Angus, Anne and Laura - the NZ side of the family. It was great to see them and catch up on all their news. We zipped by Eton and Windsor Castle. The flag was flying at full mast so we assumed that the Queen was in residence. We had dinner at a pub on the river and then it was back to the hotel for an early night before our departure to Vancouver the next morning. I think we all found it difficult to get to sleep with thoughts buzzing around in our minds - the past, present and future. This trip has gone so quickly.